Muktinath is a highly revered pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists and is situated in the Muktinath Valley at an altitude of 3710 meters. The place is just at the foot of the Thorongla Pass in the Mustang District of Nepal. This sacred site is not far from the village of Ranipauwa, which is sometimes mistaken as Muktinath.
Hindus refer to this holy site as 'Mukti Kshetra,' which translates to 'the place of salvation. The temple is prominently considered of Sri Vaishnava origin and is reverently worshipped by Buddhists. Buddhists refer to Muktinath as Chumig Gyatsa or a prominent area of Dakinis – Goddesses were known to be sky dancers and one of the 24 tantric places. They consider the statue to be a manifestation of Avalokitesvara.
The central shrine of Muktinath is considered one of the most important shrines of the eight Hindu sites; the remaining seven are Srirangam, Srimushnam, Tirupati, Naimisharanya, Todatri, Pushkar, and Badrinath. This temple is one of the most ancient temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The statue is golden and cast to the size of an entire human figure.
Water is poured through 108 bull faces, and devotees take baths in freezing waters to cleanse themselves ( 108 is an auspicious number in eastern philosophy ) – 108 water pipes also pass through the temple complex. There are both Buddhist monks and nuns who oversee the prayers and worship.
As per Tibetan Buddhist tradition, Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padma Sambhava, had meditated in Muktinath en route to Tibet. Muktinath is the only place on earth where you can find the five essential elements from which everything is made; fire, water, soil, sky, and air. The river bed here is entirely covered with Shaligram stones, vital to worship Lord Vishnu and establish a temple in his dedication.
Muktinath : When and How
The ideal time to visit Muktinath would be from March to June, as weather conditions in the remaining months are too harsh, and there would be safety concerns too. The pilgrimage passes through numerous archaeological sites and temples.
As mentioned, weather conditions make accessibility difficult. However, under favorable circumstances, one can fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then from Pokhara to Jomsom. From Jomsom, you can either trek to Muktinath or take a jeep. Some people choose to charter a helicopter ( a 45-minute flight ) – this is convenient. Still, if you plan a more extended stay, this is not advisable due to the risk of acute altitude sickness (acclimatization is a gradual process ).
How long it takes to reach Muktinath from Pokhara?
The distance from Pokhara to Muktinath is approximately 200 kilometers. The journey can take anywhere from 6 to 8 hours by car or bus, depending on the route and the mode of transportation.
The most common route from Pokhara to Muktinath involves driving through the town of Beni and then taking the winding mountain road through Jomsom and Kagbeni. The road is paved, but it can be narrow and winding in places, with some steep sections and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Along the way, you'll pass through several small villages and have the opportunity to explore some local attractions, such as the Kali Gandaki Gorge and the Marpha apple orchards.
Suppose you're traveling during the monsoon season (June to September). In that case, it's worth noting that the road through Jomsom can be prone to landslides and other weather-related disruptions. In this case, taking an alternative route through Chame and the Thorong La Pass may add additional time to the journey.
Overall, it's a good idea to allow plenty of time for the trip from Pokhara to Muktinath to enjoy the scenery and explore the many attractions.
Don't let this opportunity pass you by. Book with us now for an unforgettable trip to the sacred and beautiful land of Muktinath.
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